Eta Values Research Articles

PEG600 induced krill oil-based nanoemulsion system: ternary phase behaviour and cytotoxicity assessment

BackgroundEndogenous substances of krill oil (KO) are lipophilic in nature and have clinical significance viz. DHA/EPA, phospholipids and astaxanthin. To improve the nanodispersibility of endogenous substances of KO, a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNE) was developed.ResultsTernary phase behaviour of KO was explored in ethanol (ET); propylene glycol, (PG); and PEG600 using Tween80 and Tween20 as surfactants. PEG600 induced the self-nanoemulsification of KO and yielded one phase region (OPR); dilution lines (KO/Smix fraction containing PEG600) traversed across OPR, produced a fully dilutable nanoemulsion system. PEG600-based nanoformulations (NFs) of KO underwent phase transformation via percolation behaviour in nanostructure domains (86–207 nm). PEG600 induced ternary phase behaviour of KO as revealed from rheological data (higher eta values), refractive index (nonlinear) and conductivity (bimodal) patterns. Induced phase transformation could be an interaction between aqueous phase and KO/Tween20 in PEG600 environment; generating highly viscous domains of low electrical conductivity. NFs offered antioxidant activity over corresponding coarse systems (p < 0.01) as measured using DPPH method. Optimized NFs (F4 and F6) inhibited the growth of skin cancer cell line (A431) in the range of 100–500 × dilutions.ConclusionPhase behaviour of KO was induced by PEG600, transforming the dilution pattern via generation of one phase region; however, ethanol and propylene glycol as co-solvents did not. PEG600-based NFs of KO possessed antioxidant as well as cytotoxic to skin cancer cell lines (A431).

Influence of antiresorptive/antiangiogenic therapy on changes in periodontal and oral tissue structures: a histomorphometrical analysis in rats

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the influence of various antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications on morphological changes in periodontal and oral tissue structures.Materials and methodsFifty-five Wistar rats randomly received dual application (i.e., at baseline and after 12-weeks) one of the following medications: (1) amino-bisphosphonate [zoledronate (Zo)], (2) RANKL inhibitor [denosumab (De)], (3) antiangiogenic [bevacizumab (Be)], (4) Zo + Be, (5) De + Be or (6) no medication [Control (Co)]. Periodontal and oral tissue biopsies were obtained at 17 (n = 21 animals, Phase 1, (De = 3, De + Be = 3, Zo = 5, Be = 3, Zo + Be = 2, Co = 5) and 29 (n = 34 animals, (De = 8, De + Be = 6, Zo = 2, Be = 7, Zo + Be = 4, Co = 7, Phase 2) weeks after the second drug application. The following outcomes were histomorphometrically assessed: periodontal space width in the coronal (PLS-C, mm) and apical sections (PLS- A), number of empty alveolar bone lacunae in the coronal, apical sections and at the apex at respective tooth sites (EL – C, EL- A, EL- Ap), mucosal thickness at edentulous alveolar ridge areas (MT, mm), and, when present, associated areas of inflammatory cell infiltrates (ICI, mm2).ResultsComparable mean PLS-C, PLS-A, ET-A, ET-C, ET-Ap, and MT values were observed in all experimental groups after Phases 1 and 2. The presence of ICI was identified in 3 animals in the Co group (Phase 1: 1, Phase 2: 2), and 17 animals in the test groups (Phase 1: 4; Phase 2: 14). The estimated ICI surface area was significantly higher in the Zo + Be group, followed by the Zo and Be groups compared to that measured in the Co group. The time (i.e., Phases 1 and 2) was not found to be a predictor for the extent of the ICI area. In all groups, the EL-C, EL-A, and EL-Ap values were significantly higher after Phase 2 compared to those assessed after Phase 1. The MT values were significantly reduced in all groups after Phase 2 compared to those measured after Phase 1.ConclusionsThe present evaluation was not able to find any morphological effects of different antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications on periodontal and oral tissue structures. The presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates was more frequently observed in the animals administered with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications as well as combinations thereof.Clinical relevanceAdministration of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications may be capable of inducing inflammatory reactions in periodontal tissues.

DETERMINATION OF WATER CONSUMPTION OF POTATO UNDER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND IRRIGATION INTERVALS BY USING POLYMERS AND BIO-FERTILIZERS IN DESERT SOILS

Two field experiments were conducted during the spring season 2020 in Karbala governorate, to study the effect of sprinkler and surface drip irrigation systems to determine water consumption of potatoes and irrigation intervals using polymers and bio-fertilizers in desert soils. The experiment included three factors: 1-Irrigation system surface drip T1 and sprinkler T2, 2- The Irrigation interval: every 2 days I1, 4 days I2 and 6 days I3, 3- Addition of soil conditioners: control without any addition C, bio-organic fertilizers (seek) B, polymer (zeba) P, and polymer+ bio-organic fertilizers P+B. The experiment was designed according to the nested design with three replicates. Potato tuber class (Hermosa) rank E was planted. The results showed that the operating pressure of 50-150 kPa was drip and sprinkler irrigation, respectively. Irrigation interval treatment I1 also obtained the lowest added water depth of 212.64 and 486.70 mm at the drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, respectively. Moreover, the actual consumptive use ETa values ​​for irrigation interval I1, I2, and I3 at drip irrigation were 276.44, 428.31, and 593.04 mm, respectively. Though at sprinkler irrigation were 550.50, 959.46, and 1385.08 mm for irrigation intervals I1, I2, and I3, respectively. The highest values ​​of crop coefficient at tuber formation and filling stage were 0.66, 0.79, 1.06, 1.86, 3.42, and 4.73 for the irrigation interval I1, I2, and I3, respectively, at the drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.

A-161 Analytical Performance of Reagents for Determination of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time: A Sigma Metric Perspective

Abstract Background Sigma Metric (SM) assesses the degree of deviation of lab. tests from established specifications, combining Total Acceptable Error (ETa), imprecision and analytical bias. Quality criteria, defined by models of desirable specification, are used to determine the analytical performance of lab. tests. The concepts of biological variation are used as the preferred approach for establishing specifications. Reagents (RE) for the determination of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) use thromboplastin obtained from different tissue extracts and activation factors, being standardized to reduce the variability of the tests, and ensure equivalence of clinical diagnosis. This work evaluated three RE for APTT and the fulfillment of the desirable specifications of analytical quality, using the SM as an analysis tool. Material &amp; methods APTT determinations were performed on the Sysmex®CS-2500 (Siemens Healthineers) with Actin®FS (AFS), Actin®FSL (FSL), and Pathromtin®SL (PSL) RE and bi-level Control Plasma N (CN) and Ci-Trol®2 Control (CI). Two different lots were used for each RE and control (CT), and the results were analyzed in RE-CT combination. We determined (a)analytical bias (Bias), from intra-assay imprecision determined by 30 repetitions in a single analytical run and by comparison with manufacturer's data, and (b)analytical coefficient of variation (CVa), from inter-assay imprecision, by triplicate in 3 periods each 3 h, for the 2 CT levels. Analytical quality specifications for APTT were selected in the literature, adopting desirable ETa values of 4.5% and minimum of 6.7%, obtained from a database for biological variation and acceptable limit of 15%, based on CLIA-CAP. SM was calculated with formula: Sigma = ETa–Bias/CVa, with graphic representation adapted from the Westgard’s model. Results For CVa, AFS and FSL results with CN and CI were &amp;lt;1.0%. PSL presented results above 1.0% for CN and CI. All RE presented results lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, respectively 4.0% for AFS; 3.0% for FSL; and 2.8% for PSL. For bias, a greater variation was observed for the combinations of RE and CT, ranging from 1.16% to 4.07%, being related to the differences between the averages obtained and the values defined in the leaflets. For the desirable specification of ETa (4.5%), 3 combinations of RE and CT level AFS-CN, FSL-CN and PSL-CI presented Sigma values &amp;gt;3 (respectively, 3.61, 3.87 and 3.33). When using the minimum specification (6.7%), the PSL-CN combination presented a Sigma = 2.06. With the CLIA-CAP specification, all RE and CT combinations had Sigma &amp;gt;6. Discussion All RE showed similar analytical performance when compared by SM, demonstrating that different commercial formulations for APTT determination do not show differences in analytical Bias and CVa determinations. The graphical representation by SM allows you to visually compare analytical imprecision and inaccuracy values. Conclusion All RE showed no differences in analytical performance, with SM being a visual tool for analyzing and comparing RE performance.

Sea surface warming patterns drive hydrological sensitivity uncertainties

The increase in global-mean precipitation with global-mean temperature (hydrological sensitivity; eta) is constrained by the atmospheric energy budget, but its magnitude remains uncertain. Here we apply warming patch experiments to a climate model to demonstrate that the spatial pattern of sea surface warming can explain a wide range of eta. Warming in tropical strongly ascending regions produces eta values even larger than suggested by the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship (7% K−1), as the warming and moisture increases can propagate vertically and be transported globally through atmospheric dynamics. Differences in warming patterns are as important as different treatments of atmospheric physics in determining the spread of eta in climate models. By accounting for the pattern effect, the global-mean precipitation over the past decades can be well reconstructed in terms of both magnitude and variability, indicating the vital role of the pattern effect in estimating future intensification of the hydrological cycle.

A Comparison Assessment of Measuring Evapotranspiration in Egypt تقييم مقارن لقياس البخرنتح في مصر

Scarce water resources management makes accurate measurements of different parameters of water requirements very critical. Therefore, the values for crop evapotranspiration and crop water requirement are identical. Crop water requirements refer to the amount of water that is needed to be supplied efficiently. Therefore, there are many models and tools which were used in this study are used in this study as a practical tool to calculate actual evapotranspiration such as the CROPWAT model. Moreover, Eddy Covariance and ET-Watch model are methods used to estimate evapotranspiration. The main goal of the study was to assess daily and decadal actual evapotranspiration using Eddy covariance and ET-Watch model under arid land conditions then compare results with CROPWAT model result. Egypt was used as an example. Results showed that Eddy covariance ETa values for both crops were lower than ETa values from CROPWAT, while ET-Watch values were somewhat close to CROPWAT values. For cotton, the intercept of the linear relationship for daily ETa were 1.737 and 2.15, respectively between Eddy covariance and CROPWAT. For decadal ETa were 1.91, 2.039 ETWatch and CROPWAT. While for wheat crop, the intercept of the linear relationship for daily ETa were 1.09 and 0.663, respectively between Eddy covariance and CROPWAT, ETWatch and CROPWAT. For decadal ETa were 1.101 and 0.69. Its highly recommended to use ETWatch when predicting daily ETa, while for decadal ETa both Eddy covariance and ETWatch could be used with no big differences.

Spatiotemporal analysis of crop water requirements in Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) Irrigation System for the better management of water resources

Agriculture production in Pakistan mainly depends on irrigation water, and about 90% of production relies on irrigation water. For better assessment and management of irrigation water requirements, an accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) from agriculture area is essential. Also, ET is a key climate variable linking water, energy, and carbon cycles. Conventional ET measurement techniques are point-based and representative of the local scale only. Satellite remote sensing with large area coverage and high temporal frequency provides measurements of several relevant biophysical parameters required for estimation of ET at regional scales. This study uses the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model to calculate the daily actual ET (ETa) across the Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) irrigation system using the MODIS data for clouds-free days. Land cover classification was used to study the temporal changes in ET for different crops. There is no flux tower in the study area for direct measurement of latent heat flux and sensible heat flux; SEBS model-derived ETa values were evaluated against reference crop ET (ETo) that were calculated using FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method. SEBS-based ETa values were found to be lower compared to the referenced ET (ETo). Higher ETo values were observed for a hypothetical reference crop that is well-watered and disease-free, unlike actual field conditions. Results showed ETa values are much closer to ETo in the winter season with the mean difference of 0.36 mm/day, while in the summer season, the mean difference was 1.5 mm/day. This study shows the potential of remote sensing–based derived ETa at high spatial and temporal resolution over heterogeneous crops instead of the point-based estimation methods. Mapping ET is also helpful for better understanding of hydrological processes because it is a major loss and its spatial and temporal quantification can help in water regulation and equitable distribution.

Recognition of different yield potentials among rain-fed wheat fields before harvest using remote sensing

An algorithm was proposed to classify wheat fields into high-productive and low-productive classes using satellite images according to a threshold value for rain-fed wheat ETa in the anthesis stage. Since the classification process was based on the ETa values in the rain-fed wheat pixels, an algorithm was proposed to map wheat fields using the combination of MODIS and Landsat-8 images. The wheat area mapping method included two major processes in which the first one used a step by step elimination process of non-wheat pixels which did not follow the standard wheat vegetation index time series; the second one used supervised classification methods for detecting the rain-fed wheat pixels. The assessment of the wheat area map was performed statistically using surveyed wheat plots. After detecting the wheat parcels, the threshold value was determined using a frequency analysis on actual evapotranspiration values in the parcels. The rain-fed wheat ETa values estimated from the SEBAL algorithm and were compared to the results from the Eagleman-Affholder method and MOD16A2 products. To assess if the wheat fields in productivity classes have been categorized correctly, yield values in the two classes were compared with each other. The rain-fed wheat yield was estimated using the light use efficiency model and compared to provincial census data for accuracy assessment. Results showed that the overall accuracy, Kappa coefficient, and F1 score values for the 250-m resolution map from the MODIS images were 82, 0.61, and 0.71, respectively. In the same order, these statistics for the 30-m resolution map from the Landsat-8 images were 92, 0.62, and 0.77, respectively. Both the SEBAL and the Eagleman-Affholder methods closely estimated the average wheat ETa value in the anthesis stage equal to 2.4 mm/day. The mean of the rain-fed wheat yield value from the LUE model in 2015 was 10% lower than the census data. Relying on the low amount of the absolute error between the LUE model and the census data, the mean of the yield values in both high-productive and low-productive classes were compared with together. Results showed that the mean amount of yield in high-productive class was 33% (271 kg/ha) more than that of in low-productive class.

Complementary‐Relationship‐Based Modeling of Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Across China During 1982–2012: Validations and Spatiotemporal Analyses

AbstractHaving recognized the limitations in spatial representativeness and/or temporal coverage of (i) current ground ETa observations and (ii) land surface model‐ and remote sensing‐based ETa estimates due to uncertainties in soil and vegetation parameters, a calibration‐free nonlinear complementary relationship (CR) model is employed with inputs of air and dew‐point temperature, wind speed, and net radiation to estimate 0.1°, monthly ETa over China during 1982–2012. The modeled ETa rates were first validated against 13 eddy‐covariance measurements, producing Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency values in the range of 0.72–0.94. On the basin scale, the modeled ETa values yielded a relative bias of 6%, and a Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency value of 0.80 in comparison with water‐balance‐derived evapotranspiration rates across 10 major river basins in China, indicating the CR‐simulated ETa rates reliable over China. Further evaluations suggest that the CR‐based ETa product is more accurate than seven other mainstream ETa products. The 31‐year mean annual ETa value decreases from the southeast to the northwest in China, resulting in a country average of 406 ± 15 mm/year. The country‐representative annual ETa rates slightly decreased with a rate of −0.5 mm/year (p = 0.86) during 1982–2012. Annual ETa increased significantly over most parts of western and northeastern China but decreased significantly in many regions of the North China Plain as well as in the eastern and southern coastal regions. The present CR‐based method, with its calibration‐free nature and minimal data requirement, could help future calibrations/verifications of the more complex and more data‐intensive land surface model‐ and remote sensing‐based models.

Groundwater recharge estimation in karst aquifers of southern Apennines (Italy) by integration of remotely sensed data

In many Italian regions, karst aquifers are main sources of drinking water and play a crucial role for socio-economic development of the territory. Hence, estimating groundwater recharge of these aquifers is a fundamental task for a proper management of water resources, also considering impacts of climate changes.In karst areas of the southern Apennines, the assessment of hydrological parameters needed for the estimation of groundwater recharge is a challenging issue, specifically for the spatial discontinuity of the rain and air temperature monitoring networks and variability of land use. In such a framework, the integration of terrestrial and remotely sensed data is a promising approach to limit these uncertainties.This research deals with the estimation of groundwater recharge for karst aquifers of southern Apennines by the application of remotely sensed data gathered by the MODIS satellite in the period 2000-2014 for assessing actual evapotranspiration (MODIS Eta). To assess uncertainties in the estimation of Eta affecting conventional methods based on empirical formulas, MODIS Eta values were compared with those calculated by Turc, Coutagne and Thornthwaite methods. In addition, annual rainfall time series of 266 rain gauge and 150 air temperature stations, recorded by regional meteorological networks in the period 2000-2014, were considered to reconstruct regional distributed models of ETa and groundwater recharge.Considering the MODIS Eta, a mean annual groundwater recharge of about 448 mm∙year-1 was estimated for karst aquifers of southern Apennines. Instead, by the Turc, Coutagne and Thornthwaite formulas, ETa mean annual values of 494, 533 and 437 mm∙year-1 were estimated respectively.The obtained results open a new perspective in the assessment of actual evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge of karst aquifer at the regional and mean annual scales allowing a reduction of uncertainties and achieving a spatial resolution greater than that of the existing meteorological networks.

Estimation of Consumptive Water Use of Vicia faba Under Conditions of middle of Iraq – Kut city

Experiment field was conducted for irrigation scheduling depending on moisture depletion of available water for leguminosae in field of agriculture college-Wasit University at latitudes 32° 30′ 31.19″North and longitudes 45° 26′ 89″ East, Altitude 19 m through the autumn season 2016-2017 in loam soil. the aim of this study to determine the reference water consumptive ETo , actual consumptive use ETa , crop coefficient Kc of leguminosae and water use efficiency at irrigation scheduling on base of moisture depletion of available water at ratios 25, 50 and 75% and effect of climate factors on it. The experiment carried out using random complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The seeds of leguminosae planted at date 10/10/2016, the end of growth season at 15/4/2017. The quantities of added water used to calculate the actual consumptive use ETa by using water-balance equation, the gravimetric water content determined immediately after irrigation and before the following irrigation through the growth season to limit irrigation scheduling of studied treatments. The reference water consumptive ETo calculated by using three empirical equations (Blaney-criddle, Najib Kharrufa, Evaporation pan). The results showed that the Najib Kharrufa equation gave high value of ETo 675.49 mm comparatively with equations of evaporation Pan and Blaney–criddle that gave ETo values 591.92 and 544.77 mm alternately. The treatment of irrigation at depletion of 25% of available water gave high value of ETa 577.95 mm, comparatively with treatments depletion of 50 and 75% of available water that gave ETa values 531.5 and 472.1 mm, alternately. The results showed increasing of crop coefficient Kc, for all treatments, with progress of growth season and reached high value at flowering and spuds formation stage and reduced at maturation stage (end of growth season), the high value of Kc showed at irrigation treatment at depletion 25% of available water, its ranged between 0.62 to 1.44, but the low value of Kc showed at irrigation treatment at depletion 75% of available water, its ranged between 0.38 to 1.29. The irrigation treatments showed significant differences between studied characteristics crop , thus irrigation treatment at depletion 25% of available water increased significantly in comparison with irrigation treatment at depletion 75 % of available water in height plant and leaf area surface , but there are non-significant differences were noted in stem diameter , the irrigation treatment at depletion 25% of available water increased significantly in comparison with other treatments in total yield (spuds) . The irrigation treatment at depletion 50% of available water gave high water use efficiency (WUEf) that equal 1.43 kg m-3.

Do the Angle and Length of the Eustachian Tube Affect the Success Rate of Pediatric Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty?

To investigate the relationships between the angle and length of the Eustachian tube (ET) (the ETa and the ETl) and the success rates of pediatric type 1 tympanoplasty. A retrospective clinical chart review. In total, 51 children (31 females and 20 males; average age, 11.92 ± 3.46 years; age range: 7-18 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. In group A, all patients had intact grafts without perforation, retraction, or lateralization, and a dry ear, at 6 months postoperatively. In group B, reperforation of the tympanic membrane was evident 6 months postoperatively. The average ETa and ETl values of each group were measured on computed tomography images using a multiplanar reconstruction technique, and compared. The ETa values of diseased ears of males and females were, respectively, 26.60 ± 6.42° and 23.29 ± 6.51°, compared to 27.25 ± 5.23° and 23.32 ± 4.61° for normal male and female ears, respectively. In group A, the ETa was 26.46 ± 6.82° in males and 22.95 ± 7.50° in females. In group B, the ETa was 26.85 ± 6.12° in males and 23.90 ± 4.45° in females. In group A, the mean ETl was 41.0 mm (29.6-45.3 mm) in males and 37.9 mm (32.0-44.5 mm) in females. In group B, the mean ETl was 40.5 mm (30.5-47.1 mm) in males and 38.0 mm (32.8-45.0 mm) in females. In group A, the ETa value of diseased ears did not differ between females and males, but in normal ears, the ETa was higher in males than females (P = 0.020 and P < 0.05, respectively). In group B, no difference was evident between the ETa values of normal and diseased ears (P > 0.05). No difference in the ETl values of diseased and normal ears, in either group, was apparent between females and males (both P > 0.05). Neither the ETa nor the ETl affected the success rate of pediatric cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to compare anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types and the effects of anatomical features of the ET on the success rate of pediatric tympanoplasty.

Development of fragility curves by incorporating new spectral shape indicators and a weighted damage index: case study of steel braced frames in the city of Mashhad, Iran

In this study, strong ground motion record (SGMR) selection based on Eta (η) as a spectral shape indicator has been investigated as applied to steel braced frame structures. A probabilistic seismic hazard disaggregation analysis for the definition of the target Epsilon (e) and the target Eta (η) values at different hazard levels is presented, taking into account appropriately selected SGMR’s. Fragility curves are developed for different limit states corresponding to three representative models of typical steel braced frames having significant irregularities in plan, by means of a weighted damage index. The results show that spectral shape indicators have an important effect on the predicted median structural capacities, and also that the parameter η is a more robust predictor of damage than searching for records with appropriate e values.

The Effect of the Angle and Length of the Eustachian Tube on the Success Rate of Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty.

To explore the relationships between the angle and length of the eustachian tube (ET) (the ETa and the ETl) and the success rates of type 1 tympanoplasty. A retrospective clinical chart review. In total, 160 patients (81 females and 79 males; average age, 37.12 ± 12.46 years; age range: 18-65 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. The average ETa and ETl values of each group were measured on computed tomography images using a multiplanar reconstruction technique, and compared. A P value <0.05 was considered to reflect statistical significance. In group A, the ETa of diseased ears was 27.74 ± 12.06° in males and 21.87 ± 7.58° in females. In group A, the ETa of normal ears was 27.53 ± 4.15° in males and 22.25 ± 4.67° in females. In group B, the ETa of diseased ears was 28.85 ± 6.19° in males and 22.91 ± 5.65° in females. In group B, the ETa of normal ears was 27.71 ± 5.23° in males and 23.72 ± 6.20° in females. In group A, the mean ETl of diseased ears was 42.1 mm (28.9-45.1) in males and 38.2 mm (31.0-44.7) in females. In group A, the mean ETl of normal ears was 41.9 mm (29.2-45.8) in males and 37.4 mm (30.5-44.1) in females. In group B, the mean ETl of diseased ears was 40.8 mm (30.2-47.4) in males and 37.9 mm (31.8-45.2) in females. In group B, the mean ETl of normal ears was 41.6 mm (30.0-45.0) in males and 39.1 mm (30.0-43.7) in females. In group A, the ETa value of diseased ears did not differ between females and males, but in normal ears the ETa was higher in males than females (P =0.002 and P <0.05, respectively). In group B, no difference was evident between the ETa values of normal and diseased ears (P >0.05). No difference in the ETl values of diseased and normal ears, in either group, was apparent between females and males (both P >0.05). Neither the ETa nor the ETl affected the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to compare anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types and the effects of anatomical features of the ET on the success rate of type 1 tympanoplasty.

English

Evapotranspiration quantification is essential for water management in irrigated crops because it represents the crop water demand, and knowledge prevents water and energy waste, besides productivity breaks. This study aimed to estimate common bean actual evapotranspiration through orbital images, using the simple algorithm for evapotranspiration retrieving (SAFER) algorithm. In order to achieve this, actual evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient (Kc) were estimated in a bean crop (BRS style) irrigated by center pivot at Distrito Federal (PAD/DF), Brazil. ETa was determined by SAFER energy balance model, using images from Landsat 8 (OLI/TIRS) and climatic variables. Evapotranspiration reference was also determined by Penman-Monteith method (FAO56). Assessments were conducted on five periods during crop development stages, coinciding with the passage of the satellite in orbit 221/71 (06/30; 07/16; 08/01; 08/17 and 09/02/2014). ET values equal to 1.69, 2.52, 3.21, 3.58 and 2.63 mm day-1 were found for 06/30, 07/16, 08/01, 08/17 and 09/02/2014 periods. ETa values obtained by the SAFER model were on average 4.19% lower than the estimated values from FAO-56 default method. Satellite images and SAFER algorithm use is recommended to estimate bean crops ET. &nbsp; Key words: Energy balance, Phaseolus vulgaris L., SAFER, hydro demand.

Modelling bulk surface resistance by MODIS data and assessment of MOD16A2 evapotranspiration product in an irrigation district of Southern Italy

In this study, accurate estimates of daily actual evapotranspiration, ETa, were obtained based on the direct Penman–Monteith application, in which the bulk surface resistance term was computed by considering, as main input, daily remotely sensed Land Surface Temperature (LST). In particular, Eddy Covariance measurements of ETa, associated to LST obtained by MODIS time series (MOD11A2) characterized by 8-day resolution, allowed to calibrate a simple bulk surface resistance model, based on two-years of data observations collected in a quite homogeneous irrigation district of Sicily, where olive grove is the main crop. The model was then validated by an independent database collected over four different years.The comparison between measured and modelled actual evapotranspiration fluxes showed that the proposed model is characterized by an acceptable accuracy for practical purposes, with an average RMSE of 0.52mm d−1 for the whole validation period. In addition, the comparison between ETa values retrieved by the MODIS evapotranspiration product (MOD16A2) and those obtained by the proposed approach, evidenced that to the former are associated the best ETa estimations.The proposed methodology is easily applicable and therefore can be considered as a simple and effective tool to estimate spatial and temporal patterns of actual evapotranspiration, over areas characterized by a level of homogeneity consistent with the MODIS pixel resolution (1km).Considering that the model was set up for olive crop, further investigations should be focused on other crops under different environmental conditions.

Trends in land surface evapotranspiration across China with remotely sensed NDVI and climatological data for 1981–2010

Using satellite observations of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from NOAA-AVHRR and Terra-MODIS, together with climatic data in a physical evapotranspiration (ET) model, the spatio-temporal variability of ET is investigated in terrestrial China from 1981 to 2010. The model predictions of actual ET (ETa) are validated with ET values from in situ eddy covariance flux measurements and from basin water balance calculations. The national averaged crop reference ET (ETp) and ETa values are 916 ± 21 and 415 ± 12 mm year-1, respectively. The annual ETa pattern is closely associated with vegetation conditions in the eastern part of China, whereas ETa is low in the sparsely-vegetated areas and deserts in the northwestern region, corresponding to scarce rainfall events and amounts. The trends of ETp and ETa are remarkably different over the country, and the complementary relationship between ETp and ETa is revealed for the study period. Averaged over the whole country, ETa showed an increasing trend from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, followed by a decreasing trend, consistent with the precipitation anomaly. Across the main vegetation types, annual ETa amounts are found to correspond clearly with the bands of precipitation and ETp.

Intention of nurses to receiving influenza vaccination before the 2013–14 season

A study was conducted to determine the influenza vaccination uptake rate of nurses in Hong Kong after the pH1N1 epidemic, and examine their intention for vaccination before the next influenza season. Questionnaires in Chinese with multiple choice responses were delivered by post through 4 nurses organizations. The following were explored: intentions and reasons for vaccination in the forthcoming season; perceptions of influenza outbreak risk; attitudes toward professional obligation and vaccination policies. Cramer's V and Eta values were calculated to analyze association and effect size. Between March and May 2013, analysis was made on 1,934 (6.8%) valid questionnaires, with 620 (30.7%) having received influenza vaccination before the season of 2012–13. Some 30.7% and 42% intended to accept and decline vaccination respectively in the forthcoming season (2013–14) while 27.3% remained indecisive. Over 80% of indecisive nurses had refused vaccination in the last season. More nurses refusing (18.1%) or indecisive (9.8%) of vaccination perceived being “significantly unwell” after past vaccinations, compared to only 1% in those who intended to accept. Expert opinions and guidelines were important for making decision on vaccination in 40% of nurses. The ranking of professional responsibilities of vaccination in indecisive nurses was between those declining and accepting future vaccination. Overall, past vaccination experience, professional responsibilities and reference to guidelines were major factors affecting nurses' decision on future vaccination against influenza in Hong Kong. The results might however not be generalizable to all nurses as the analyses were restricted to those responding to the appeal from selected professional organisations.

Simulating the yields of bioenergy and food crops with the crop modeling software BioSTAR: the carbon-based growth engine and the BioSTAR ET0 method

With a growing production and use of agricultural substrates in biogas facilities, the competition between food and energy production, environmental issues, and sustainability goals has seen an increase in the last decade and poses a challenge to policy makers. Statistical yield data has a low spatial resolution and only covers standard crops and makes no statement in regard to yields under climate change. To support policy makers and regional planners in an improved allocation of agricultural land use, a new crop model (BioSTAR) has been developed. Simulations with weather and yield data from 7 years and four regions in Lower Saxony have rendered overall good modeling results with prediction errors (RMSE and percentage) ranging from 1.6 t and 9.8% for winter wheat to 2.1 t and 11.9% for maize. The model-generated ET0 and ETa values (mean of four locations) are lower than ET0/ETa values calculated with the Penman-Monteith method but appear more realistic when compared to field trial data from northern and eastern Germany. The model has proven to be a functioning tool for modeling site-specific biomass potentials at the farm level, and because of its Access® database interface, the model can also be used for calculating biomass yields of larger areas, like administration districts or states. Out of the seven crops modeled in this study, only limited yield and test site data was available for winter barley, winter rye, sorghum, and sunflower. For further improvement of model performance and model calibration, more trial data and data testing are required for these crops.

Effect of deficit irrigation and mulching on consumptive use and yield of potato in gypsiferous soil under drip irrigation.

In order to determine the effect of the lack of irrigation and mulch in water consumption use and yield of potatoes under gypsiferous soil conditions in spring season in 2013 at experimental station of soil and water resources department, college of Agriculture, Tikrit university. The experimental design was split plot in three replicates. The main plots were irrigation treatment (I), and sub plots were no mulch (C1) and mulch with wheat straw (C2). The treatments were as follows: for no mulch full irrigation (control), C1I1, the deficit irrigation treatment included omitting two irrigations at vegetative growth C1I2, tuber initiation C1I3 and tuber bulking and maturation C1I4. For the mulch, The treatments were (C2I1, C2I2, C2I3 and C2I4) for four treatments, respectively. The mulch was spread on the soil surface of 12 ton ha-1. Potato tubers, Rudolph variety were planted on 3-2-2013 for spring season and harvested on 20-6-2013. Reached values ​​ ETa for potato was (345 and 338 mm/season) for full irrigation with the no mulch and the mulch, respectively. Whears the values of ETa for deficit irrigations were reduced to (419-428 mm/season) for the no mulch, and (326-330 mm/season) for the mulch conditions. The value of the Reference ET0 estimated using the equation Penman- Monteith adjusted higher than the rate of ETa values ​​in the cases of no mulch and mulch (688, 426 and 330 mm/season) respectively. Mulch treatment caused higher water saving as compared with no mulch conditions. The amounts reached (22.3, 22.9, 22.3 and 22.1%) for full irrigation, and deficit irrigation in vegetative growth, tuber initiation and tuber bulking and maturation, respectively. Maximum value of KC was 1.1 in full and deficit irrigation treatments under no mulch compared with 0.84 for full irrigation under mulch conditions. significant decrease in tuber yield was found in deficit irrigation vegetative growth and tuber initiation stage with mulch. The yield was (12.6 and 12.3 ton ha-1) respectively compared with (14.0 ton ha-1) for full irrigation. On the other hand, deficit irrigation showed no effect on yield in tuber bulking stage. The non mulch treatment showed the same behavior, No significant differences in yield was found for no mulch (13.2 ton ha-1) and mulch (14.5 ton ha-1).